Embattled Eagles QB deserved opportunity at redemption, says prez

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President Obama lavished praise on the record-breaking QB who traded his jail jumpsuit for a No. 7 Eagles jersey after serving time in prison for running a dog fighting ring and said Vick deserved his second chance, according to Sports Illustrated.

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"The president wanted to talk about two things, but the first was Michael," Eagles owner Jeff Lurie told SI's Peter King about his recent phone conversation with the commander in chief about alternative energy use at the team's stadium.

"He said, 'So many people who serve time never get a fair second chance. He was ... passionate about it. He said it's never a level playing field for prisoners when they get out of jail. And he was happy that we did something on such a national stage that showed our faith in giving someone a second chance after such a major downfall."

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The White House confirmed Obama has spoken with Lurie and offered his backing of Vick.

"The president did place a call to Mr. Lurie to discuss plans for the use of alternative energy at Lincoln Financial Field, during which they spoke about that issue and others," Bill Burton, deputy White House press secretary, said in a statement to Politico.

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"He, of course, condemns the crimes that Michael Vick was convicted of but, as he's said previously, he does think that individuals who have paid for their crimes should have an opportunity to contribute to society again."

Vick pleaded guilty to running a dog-fighting ring in 2007 and served nearly two years in prison. He was signed by the Eagles in 2009.